Programme CMY17

Home , 9 Story Media Group, Boat Rocker Media, CBC Kids, Family Biz, Frederator Networks, Frederator Studios

TORONTO November 15-17, 2017

1 Thanks to the 2017 children, Youth & Media Conference Sponsors

MAIN SPONSORS

PRESTIGE SPONSORS

EXCELLENCE SPONSORS

2 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

Administrateurs Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions Carole Bonneau / TELETOON Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA Special Thanks Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatriceYOUTH de prix MEDIA ALLIANCE WOULD LIKE Marie McCann / CBC Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / TO WARMLY THANK ITS 2017 CHILDREN, YOUTH & Marney Malabar / TVO RobinCONSEIL Phinizy /D’ADMINISTRATION photographe présentateur de prix Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatriceMEDIA de prix CONFERENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Mary Bredin / Guru Studio Président Trésorier Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateurBrandon de prix Lane / Corus Entertainment Michelle Melanson Cuperus / Radical Sheep Louis-DanielJ.J. Johnson Joly / Sinkingde Baratanga Ship Entertainment JessicaVince Ficorilli Commisso / présentatrice / 9 Story Entertainment de prix & lesVice-présidente élèves de l’École Buissonnière Secrétaire Carole Nkoa / Groupe Média TFO Natalie Dumoulin / 9 Story Media Group Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge Christinand BBC kids Simms / Sinking Ship Entertainment Robert Pincombe / author 2 Administrateurs Jamie Piekarz / JamPie Media Steve Westren / author Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions Carole Bonneau / TELETOON Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough EntertainmentJessica McLaughlin / TVO Suzanne Wilson / Lambur Productions Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC TelevisionJohn Rooney / consultant Katarzyna Kochany / director AND THE VOLUNTEERS: Leah Wolfson / Corus Entertainment Ariel Cid, Tim Feller, Jose Fernandez, Natalia Grayfer, Carolyne Hess, Elizabeth Ladouceur, Kathryn Laskaris, ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ Narmeen Lakhani, Julia Mesquita, Stephen Shapcott, Chantal Bowen Rebecca Zala. Lyne Côté

Table of Contents CONSEILÉQUIPE GALA D’ADMINISTRATION Word from Co-Chair 4 PrésidentLes Denis Drolet / animateurs TrésorierTom Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix J.J.Marc Johnson Coiteux / Sinking / réalisateur Ship Entertainment VinceCharlotte Commisso Laprise / 9/ présentatriceStory EntertainmentWord de prixfrom Executive Director 5 Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Vice-présidente Secrétaire Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix Word from Host 6 Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatriceSchedule de prix and Venue 7 AdministrateursMarilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix GuillaumeLouis-Daniel Aniorté Joly de/ Tribal Baratanga Nova MadeleineJessica Ficorilli Lévesque / présentatrice / SardineGeneral Productionsde prix Conference 8 Carole& les élèves Bonneau de /l’École TELETOON Buissonnière Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough EntertainmentWorkshop with Relish Interactive 12 Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television YouTube Family Content Workshop 12 2 Speakers’ Biographies 13

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION Board of Directors ÉQUIPE GALA Vice-présidente Secrétaire Président Trésorier CO-CHAIRS DIRECTORS J.J.Les DenisJohnson Drolet / Sinking / animateurs Ship Entertainment TomVince Elliot Commisso Girard // 9présentateur Story Entertainment de prix Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Vice-présidente Secrétaire Judith Beauregard / Tobo (interim) Frank Falcone / Guru Studio Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids Administrateurs Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Athena Georgaklis / Nelvana AdministrateursVéronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Laurent Guérin / GroupeMadeleine Média TFOLévesque / Sardine Productions GuillaumeMarilou Turgeon Aniorté / bénévole/ Tribal Nova AdamMadeleine Rancourt Lévesque / présentateur / Sardine deProductions prix CaroleLouis-Daniel Bonneau Joly / deTELETOON Baratanga Canada JessicaIra Levy Ficorilli / Breakthrough / présentatrice EntertainmentSECRETARY de prix Carole Bonneau / TELETOON CanadaSarah Haasz / DHX TelevisionIra Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Michael& les élèves Goldsmith de l’École / Astral Buissonnière Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / ThunderbirdfilmsMichele Paris / Knowledge and BBC Kids Madeleine Lévesque Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment TREASURER Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television 2 Marie McCann / Kids' CBC Vince Commisso / 9 Story Media Group Peter Moss / PDM Entertainment

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbird Entertainment Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ ÉQUIPE GALA YMA Office TeamChantal Bowen

Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateurChantal de prix Bowen / ExecutiveLyne Côté Director Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatriceLyne de prixCôté and Geneviève Brault / Special Events and Communications Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix Cabana Séguin / Graphic Design Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatricePatricia de prix Rioux / Graphic Artist Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix 3 Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière ÉQUIPE GALA 2 Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière 2 Word from Co-Chair

I recently had a beer with Daniel Cook. Yes, the Daniel Cook, the wunder- kind personality from our ﬁ rst series “This is Daniel Cook.” He’s 20 now (ouch) and studying law with an eye to one day running for Prime Minister (he’ll win). He looks the exact same, just stretched out, and he’s as fascinating and brilliant as ever.

We’ve stayed in touch over the years, but I’d never had the chance to really sit down and talk with him about his television experience with us. The thing that struck me most was how much he remembers enjoying the act of making the show: learning about the camera and audio equipment, coming up with episode ideas, and playing around with the crew. It was such a visceral reminder to me that what we make is just as important as how we make it. So I invite everyone here to steal a moment today, catch your breath and re-examine how you contribute to the process. Take a honest look at how you treat people and how you’ve been treated and adjust accordingly. Know that the YMA is here to celebrate the good but also here to support you in calling out the bad. And please, never forget that everything you help make brightens a kid’s day.

Thank you so much for joining us, I hope you have an incredible conference ﬁ lled with inspiration, commiseration, and excitement for a brighter future ahead.

J.J. JOHNSON Co-Chair, Youth Media Alliance

4 Word from Co-Chair Word from Executive Director

Welcome to our 2017 edition!

YMA is pleased to welcome you at Corus Quay this year: a stunning location right on Lake Ontario for the Children, Youth & Media Conference! Thank you, Corus, for this wonderful opportunity.

During panels and presentations, participants will explore ways to improve content with a view to better meeting young people’s needs and expectations.

To keep you on the leading edge of our ever-shifting industry, we’re presenting a number of speakers who are sure to exceed your expectations.

We aim to ensure relevant, ground-breaking content at these annual gatherings. We guarantee your day will be fast-paced and stimulating, with an international ﬂ avour.

The conference will be followed by two workshops.

First, on November 16, we will have the pleasure of introducing to you the winner of the 2017 YMA Award of Excellence, Best Original Interactive Content & Grand Prize for Best Production, All Categories: The Incredible Tales of Weirdwood Manor. Led by Relish Interactive founder and CEO Paul Pattison, this workshop will take you behind the scenes of the award- winning project. Then on November 17, we turn the spotlight onto YouTube. We’ll share best discovery and monetization practices as well as hear from a successful YouTube family content partner, Skyship Entertainment, about their experience growing their business on the platform. Following this, we’ll enjoy a little time to mingle.

Thank you so much for joining us today. Special thanks to our Board of Directors, the conference advisory committee, Corus and CBC/Radio- Canada for their support, and above all, to our steadfast sponsors for their generous ﬁ nancial contribution that’s been so instrumental in making us the success we are today.

I hope you’ll have an inspiring and productive day!

CHANTAL BOWEN 5 Word from Host

Welcome everyone to Corus Quay! We are thrilled to host the Youth Media Alliance Conference here at our building and extend a warm greeting to each of you as you spend the next few days with us.

Developing, producing and distributing kid’s content has never been more important and as we see new players entering the space, the increased outlets and platforms provide an even richer environment for Canadian content creators, here at home and abroad. It’s an exciting time and as leaders in the kid’s space, take the next few days to foster and share ideas, debate the status quo and explore opportunities in this wonderfully vibrant and ever-evolving industry. The YMA Conference provides a great forum for this to take place.

At Corus, our Kids business has remained a constant and we are excited about our future ahead. We look forward to continuing our work with you in the kid’s space.

Enjoy the Conference!

DOUG MURPHY President and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer Corus Entertainment

6 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA CORUS ENTERTAINMENTLes Denis Drolet / animateurs / 25 Dockside Dr., Toronto, ON M5ATom 0B5 Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / NOVEMBER 15 GENERAL CONFERENCE: Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix GENERAL CONFERENCE: 8TH FLOOR SCREENING CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATIONVéronique Turgeon / bénévole CelinaROOM Noguera / présentatrice de prix 08:15 – 09:00 Mariloua.m. Registration Turgeon & / Breakfastbénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix 09:00 – 09:15 a.m. Opening of the Children, Youth & Media Conference Président Louis-Daniel Joly de BaratangaTrésorier Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix J.J.09:15 Johnson – 10:15 / Sinking &a.m. les Ship Discoverability:élèves Entertainment de l’École Breaking Buissonnière throughVince Commisso the Noise / 9 Story Entertainment Vice-présidente10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Coffee Break Secrétaire Michèle10:30 Fortin– 11:30 / Télé-Québec a.m. Which came ﬁ rst, the mediumMichele or the Paris message? / Knowledge and BBC kids

Administrateurs11:30 – 12:15 p.m. Alternative way of fi nancing content in Canada Guillaume12:15 – 2Aniorté01:45 p.m. / Tribal Lunch Nova & Special Activity: AMadeleine healthy serving Lévesque / Sardine Productions Carole Bonneau / TELETOONof STEM Canada by Shaftesbury Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms th Jocelyn12:30 Hamilton – 01:30 p.m./ Corus YMA Entertainment Board of Directors meetsKim Wilson on the / CBC6 fl oorTelevision (Executive Boardroom) for the AGM ANNUAL GENERAL 01:45 – 02:00 p.m. Special Presentation by Andra Sheffer and Anthony Suen, MEETING EXECUTIVE First Recipient of the YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship BOARDROOM, ÉQUIPE02:00 – DE03:00 L’AMJ p.m. No one left behind 6TH FLOOR 03:00 – 03:15 p.m. Coffee Break Chantal Bowen 03:15 – 04:15 p.m. China 101: Breaking the Wall Lyne Côté 04:15 – 04:30 p.m. Special Presentation - MaXi : taking on the challenge of producing enternaining and educational content for a mobile-fi rst strategy 04:30 – 06 :00 p.m. Networking Cocktail Reception: Come and celebrate ÉQUIPE GALA with the delegates & YMA Team!

Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix MarcNOVEMBER Coiteux / réalisateur 16 Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-ClaudeWORKSHOP Marsan - / INTERACTIVEmusicien STORYTELLINGMaxime Brunet-Gougeon HACKATHON / WORKSHOPS Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix TH With Paul Pattison, Founder, CEO, Relish Interactive 6 FLOOR SCREENING Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix ROOM (6E) Marilou09:00 Turgeon– 09:30 /a.m. bénévole Registration & Coffee Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix Louis-Daniel09:30 – 12:00 Joly dep.m. Baratanga Workshop Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière 12:00 – 01:00 p.m. Lunch 01:00 – 02:00 p.m. Working session (optional) 2 NOVEMBER 17 YOUTUBE FAMILY CONTENT WORKSHOP WORKSHOPS TH With Heather Di Diego, Content Partnerships, YouTube 6 FLOOR SCREENING ROOM (6E) 09:30 – 10:00 a.m. Registration & Coffee 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Heather Di Diego's presentation and Q&A 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Morghan Fortier's presentation (Skyship Entertainment) and Q&A 11:30 – 11:40 a.m. Wrap, where to learn more & recap 11:40 – 12:20 p.m. Lunch boxes, coffee & mingling 7 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

PRESENTED BY ÉQUIPE GALA Discoverability: Breaking through the Noise Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur deWith prix so many choices and platforms, how do we make sure kids and their families Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / are discovering our shows? This panel focuses on Discoverability and how some Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix great Canadian properties have Broken through the Noise to get discovered in a Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur debusy prix marketplace. Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière PANELLISTS: 2 • Carlos Pacheco / Boat Rocker Media’s Vice President of Audience Development • Deb Day / CEO & Chief Strategist, Innovate By Day: Strategic Marketing & Digital Content Studio • Frank Falcone / President & Executive Creative Director, Guru Studio

MODERATOR: • Michelle Melanson Cuperus / President, Radical Sheep

8 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

PRESENTED BY ÉQUIPE GALA Which came first, the medium or the message? Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur deWith prix online video users numbering in the billions and social platforms spawning Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / new video formats like rabbits, Kids' IP creators are seeking out new audiences Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix and digital homes for their content. But which comes ﬁ rst, the medium or Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur dethe prix message? How do we know when the concept we are developing is destined Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice defor prix You Tube or the Boob Tube? We'll ask serial media entrepreneur Fred Siebert, & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière the force behind Frederator Networks, Morghan Fortier of Skyship Entertainment 2 whose Super Simple Songs have been sung over two billion times and Mia Rodak, Executive Producer of Digital Content for CBC Kids to share their insight and perspectives. CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier PANELLISTS : J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment• Mia Rodak / Executive Producer, Digital - CBC Kids Vice-présidente Secrétaire • Morghan Fortier / Executive Producer, Skyship Entertainment Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids • Fred Seibert / Founder/CEO Frederator Networks Administrateurs Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions Carole Bonneau / TELETOON Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television MODERATOR : • Marie McCann / Senior Director, Children's Content, CBC Kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

PRESENTED BY ÉQUIPE GALA Alternative way of financing content in Canada Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur deIn prix our ever-changing media landscape, it is almost required that producers and Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / creators look to alternative sources to fund their content. Join us for a one on Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix one with Christina Jennings of Shaftesbury as we go behind the scenes on The Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur deEmerald prix Code and dig deep into the mechanics of creating and funding content Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice deusing prix non-traditional methods. & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière 2 PRESENTER: • Christina Jennings / Chairman & CEO, Shaftesbury

INTERVIEWER: • John Rooney / Consultant, johnromedia

9 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix Président Trésorier J.J.Marc Johnson Coiteux / Sinking Ship / réalisateur Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story EntertainmentCharlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix

Vice-présidenteJean-Claude Marsan / musicien Secrétaire Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / MichèleRobin Fortin Phinizy / Télé-Québec / photographe Michele Paris / Knowledge andprésentateur BBC kids de prix AdministrateursVéronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions CaroleMarilou Bonneau Turgeon / TELETOON / Canadabénévole Ira Levy / Breakthrough EntertainmentAdam Rancourt / présentateur de prix MichaelLouis-Daniel Goldsmith / AstralJoly Televison de Baratanga Networks Alexandra Raffé / ThunderbirdfilmsJessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television & les élèves de l’ÉcoleCONSEIL Buissonnière D’ADMINISTRATION ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ 2 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATIONPrésident Trésorier Chantal Bowen J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment Lyne Côté Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship EntertainmentVice-présidenteVince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment Secrétaire

Vice-présidente Michèle FortinSecrétaire / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge andSpecial BBC kids Activity: A healthy serving of STEM by PRESENTED BY ÉQUIPEAdministrateurs GALA Administrateurs Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Guillaume AniortéTom Elliot / Tribal Girard /Nova présentateurShaftesbury de prix Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions Carole Bonneau / TELETOON Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Michael Goldsmith / Astral TelevisonCarole Networks BonneauAlexandra / TELETOON Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television Get with the programming! Shaftesbury wants to feed your brain with a healthy Robin Phinizy / photographe Michael Goldsmithprésentateur / Astral de prix Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilms serving of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) during a special Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Jocelyn HamiltonCelina / NogueraCorus / Entertainmentprésentatrice de prix Kim Wilson / CBC Television Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur lunchde prix activity, celebrating its new series Emerald Code! Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix &ÉQUIPE les élèves DE de L’AMJ l’École Buissonnière

Chantal Bowen 2 Lyne Côté ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ ÉQUIPE GALA Chantal Bowen Special Presentation by Anthony Suen, First Lyne Côté Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateurRecipient de prix of the YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / In 2016, I was honored to receive the ﬁ rst ever YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice tode prixattend Kidscreen Summit and Banff World Media Festival. The experience was Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur indispensablede prix and eye-opening for me as an emerging children’s media creator. Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École BuissonnièreÉQUIPE GALA Mentors, colleagues, and classmates helped structure my planning so I came into each conference with a goal in mind. The result was amazing and insightful 2 Les Denis Drolet / animateurs sessions, conversations,Tom and Elliot panels Girard that / willprésentateur inform much de ofprix what I strive to do Marc Coiteux / réalisateur in the in the future. Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Robin Phinizy / photographe PRESENTER: présentateur de prix Véronique Turgeon / bénévole • Anthony Suen / DigitalCelina media Noguera professional / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga INTERVIEWER: Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière• Andra Sheffer / CEO Independent Production Fund, Cogeco Fund 2 10 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA No one left behind

Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur deMeet prix content creators and those who work with them in a lively conversation about Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice deportraying prix all kids' lives and to consider the equality and humanity of those we may not Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix normally see in regular children's content. The "No One Left Behind Panel" will be an eye Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice deopening prix experience that will provide unique roadmaps for how to authentically capture Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prixanother's point of view and invite others in. & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION PANELLISTS: 2 • Gráinne Mc Guinness / Creative Director, Paper Owl Films Ltd. Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment• Chantal Laﬂ eur / Productions Avenida

Vice-présidente Secrétaire • Amy Fredeen / CPA & CGMA, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC Executive kids Vice President & Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer Administrateurs Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardine Productions Carole Bonneau / TELETOON Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / ThunderbirdfilmsMODERATOR: Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television • Jamie Piekarz / Creator, Executive Producer, Children’s Media Consultant, JamPie Media ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA China 101: Breaking the Wall Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur deCanadian prix shows have travelled around the world including China but it is a big market Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / and it is changing fast. These 3 panelists are all working in China and will share insights Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix on creating content for this fascinating market! Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateur de prix Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatrice de prix & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière PANELLISTS: • Natalie Osborne / Chief Strategy Ofﬁ cer, 9 Story Media Group 2 • Sharon Gomes / Vice President of Production and Business Development, Little Airplane Productions • Jacqueline Vong / Director Of Licensing, Fun 2 Play Toys

MODERATOR: • Mary Bredin / Executive Vice-President, Content & Strategy, Guru Studio

11 CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Président Trésorier J.J. Johnson / Sinking Ship Entertainment Vince Commisso / 9 Story Entertainment

Vice-présidente Secrétaire Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids

ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA Special Presentation - MaXi : taking on the challenge Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateurof de prixproducing entertaining and educational content Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatrice de prix Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / CONSEILRobin Phinizy D’ADMINISTRATION / photographe présentateur de prix for a mobile-first strategy Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix PrésidentMarilou Turgeon / bénévole AdamTrésorier Rancourt / présentateurMaXi de prix is a mobile-ready animated smart series distributed through the MaXi Comic J.J.Louis-Daniel Johnson Joly/ Sinking de Baratanga Ship Entertainment JessicaVince Commisso Ficorilli / présentatrice/ 9 Story EntertainmentMaker de prix app. Commissionned by Groupe Média TFO and produced by Frima & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière Vice-présidente Secrétaire Originals, this CMF funded project offers kids the opportunity to explore the bound- Michèle Fortin / Télé-Québec Michele Paris / Knowledge and BBC kids less universe of MaXi in a fun and engaging way, going beyond traditional content 2 Administrateurs Guillaume Aniorté / Tribal Nova Madeleine Lévesque / Sardineconsumption. Productions This short presentation will offer an overview of the challenges and key Carole Bonneau / TELETOON Canada Ira Levy / Breakthrough Entertainment Michael Goldsmith / Astral Televison Networks Alexandra Raffé / Thunderbirdfilmslearnings made during the production of the series and its app. Jocelyn Hamilton / Corus Entertainment Kim Wilson / CBC Television PRESENTER: • Glenn O’Farrell / President & CEO, Groupe Média TFO ÉQUIPE DE L’AMJ

Chantal Bowen Lyne Côté

ÉQUIPE GALA Workshops

Les Denis Drolet / animateurs Tom Elliot Girard / présentateur de prix Marc Coiteux / réalisateur Charlotte Laprise / présentatriceWITH de prix PAUL PATTISON, FOUNDER, CEO, RELISH INTERACTIVE PRESENTED BY Jean-Claude Marsan / musicien Maxime Brunet-Gougeon / Interactive Storytelling Hackathon Robin Phinizy / photographe présentateur de prix Véronique Turgeon / bénévole Celina Noguera / présentatrice de prix Marilou Turgeon / bénévole Adam Rancourt / présentateurWhat de prix is interactive storytelling? What works? What doesn’t? Is it only for kids? Louis-Daniel Joly de Baratanga Jessica Ficorilli / présentatriceDuring de prix this workshop, we will start by taking a look behind the curtain and see & les élèves de l’École Buissonnière how the award-winning interactive storybook app Weirdwood Manor was created. 2 From there we will look at some core concepts, process and techniques for developing interactive storytelling projects. Then it will be time to put theory into action! We’ll break into small groups that will each develop their own premise and structure for a project. You don’t need to be an experienced writer, game devel- oper, or producer — just a love for telling stories, gaming, and technology.

09:00 – 09:30 a.m. Registration & Coffee 09:30 – 12:00 p.m. Workshop 12:00 – 01:00 p.m. Lunch 01:00 – 02:00 p.m. Working session (optional)

WITH HEATHER DI DIEGO, CONTENT PARTNERSHIPS, YOUTUBE YouTube Family Content Workshop

Please join us for a morning focused on the development of successful Family programming on YouTube. In this 2.5 hour event, we’ll share best practices for Discovery and Monetization on YouTube, and hear from a successful YouTube Family content partner, Skyship Entertainment, about their experience growing their business on YouTube, and enjoy some social mingling time together.

09:30 – 10:00 a.m. Registration & Coffee 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Heather Di Diego's presentation and Q&A 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Morghan Fortier's presentation (Skyship Entertainment) and Q&A 11:30 – 11:40 a.m. Wrap, where to learn more & recap 11:40 – 12:20 p.m. Lunch boxes, coffee & mingling 12 Speakers’ Biographies

MARY BREDIN Executive Vice-President, Content & Strategy, Guru Studio

Mary Bredin, EVP Content & Strategy at Guru Studio, has built her 25 year career developing, executive producing and acquiring content around the globe. Mary has tirelessly championed bold, international business strategies while maintaining the importance of developing quality ground-breaking content. She has brought that creative business sense to every role – including her time at Nelvana, Teleﬁ lm Canada, Canal +, and PMMP in Paris. In London, Mary was at Disney for 8 years where she built a team of global Disney Channel Executives creating a framework for programming and acquisitions that is still used today. Mary joined Guru Studio in 2007 to lead the Original Content business beginning with Justin Time, then Dinopaws and most recently developing and executive producing the series, True and the Rainbow Kingdom - a Netﬂ ix Original that launched globally in August 2017. Her mission to export the best of Canadian content to the world still gives Mary great pride and energy even after 25 years!

DEB DAY CEO & Chief Strategist, Innovate By Day: Strategic Marketing & Digital Content Studio

Deb Day is the Chief Strategist and CEO of Innovate By Day, Canada's leading strategic marketing & digital content studio specializing in the ﬁ lm and television industry. Deb’s true passion is storytelling; her enthusiasm for fandoms and desire to connect directly with audiences has driven her career into the digital marketing space. She draws on her comprehen- sive production experience when approaching digital campaigns, using it to inform her inventive approach to interactive storytelling and digital content production. Deb leads her team at Innovate by Day to create and execute custom social and digital media engagement strategies for many of Canada's biggest entertainment properties, working with all major networks across Canada and many into the US. Projects include: The Stanley Dynamic, Ride, Max & Shred, Star Falls, The Bachelor Canada, Corner Gas, and Workin’ Moms.

13 HEATHER DI DIEGO Content Partnerships, YouTube

Heather Di Diego is the YouTube Family and Learning Partnerships lead for Canada, overseeing strategic partnerships with leading production companies, and endemic YouTube Creators alike. Most recently, she has helped to support the launch and growth of the YouTube Kids app. Since joining Google in 2011, Heather also helped develop the transactional business with TV and Film partners on Google Play. Prior to Google, she managed digital distribution at Paramount Pictures.

FRANK FALCONE President & Executive Creative Director, Guru Studio

Frank Falcone has been bringing fi lm and television projects to life as an animator, director and executive producer for over 20 years. Under his creative vision, Guru Studio has become a leader in character-driven storytelling and high-quality animated entertainment for kids and families around the world. Guru’s roster of hit shows include: Justin Time, winner of the 2016 Banff Rockie Award, 2015 Shaw Rocket Prize, 2014 Canadian Screen Award®, two-time Emmy® and six time Annie Award nominated preschool program; Paw Patrol™, the #1 global preschool smash-hit and consumer products phenomenon in collaboration with Spin Master and Nickelodeon; BAFTA nominated Dinopaws; Mattel’s Netfl ix Original Series Ever After High; and most recently True and the Rainbow Kingdom - a Netfl ix Original that launched globally in August 2017. Guru just complet- ed its involvement on its fi rst feature fi lm, the international co-production, The Breadwinner, with Aircraft Pictures, Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions, where Frank served as Executive Producer. He currently sits on the Youth Media Alliance Board of Directors.

MORGHAN FORTIER Executive Producer, Skyship Entertainment

Morghan Fortier is the Co-Owner and Executive Producer of Skyship Entertainment and Tinman Creative Studios, digital-ﬁ rst production studios focusing on original series and song content for preschoolers and older audiences. With 7.8+ billion views, and 7.6+ million subscribers across 5 channels, Skyship's children's brand Super Simple has been sharing songs and stories for over a decade. Our mission is to make enriching, high quality content available to children in every corner of the globe. Tinman Creative Studios is home to the award winning Super Science Friends. The series can be seen on YouTube and Cartoon Hangover’s VRV channel.

AMY FREDEEN CPA & CGMA, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer

Originally from Chugiak, Alaska, Ms. Fredeen is of shared Inupiaq and German descent. Most recently through CEI, Ms. Fredeen helped form a partnership with E-line Media, an industry leader educational games, that created the ﬁ rst video game made with an indigenous community called Never Alone. For this game Ms. Fredeen served as the lead cultural ambassador ensuring an inclusive development process that resulted in the sharing, celebrating of the Inupiaq culture and stories. With 26 mini-docu- mentaries imbedded in the game, Never Alone won a 2015 British Academy Award for Best Debt and has had 3 million downloads to date. 14 SHARON GOMES Vice President of Production and Business Development, Little Airplane Productions

A multiple Emmy Award winner, Sharon Gomes oversees production and business development at Little Airplane Productions. She has produced for channels such as ABC Networks (USA), MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Sprout, Cbeebies and Disney. Early in her career, Sharon worked for Viacom Asia. She was hand-picked to be the ﬁ rst News Anchor for the launch of MTV Asia, and later became Director of MTV Asia News. She also appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine.

Sharon has won Emmy Awards for her work on a medical series, as well as a Peabody Award for Rebirth, a documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and aired on Showtime channels. Rebirthalso screens at the National September 11 Memorial Museum.

CHRISTINA JENNINGS Chairman & CEO, Shaftesbury

A visionary producer with a track record for delivering award-winning scripted content for audiences around the world, Christina Jennings is founder, chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury, a content company known for innovative storytelling and building successful brands. Spanning the production of TV, feature ﬁ lm and digital content, Shaftesbury titles are sold in 120 countries worldwide and include acclaimed international hits Murdoch Mysteries, Carmilla, ReGenesis, and Life with Derek. As world-class brand builders, Shaftesbury is an industry leader in engaging and sustaining audiences by creating brand extensions including original content created for digital and social media platforms, mobile apps, and VR experiences. Taking the company’s expertise in scripted storytelling to the advertising industry, Shaftesbury’s branded entertainment division drives proﬁ table engagement with millennials using scripted series, turning brands into executive producers. The company’s KindaTV, home to U by Kotex®- funded drama series Carmilla and other Shaftesbury web series, is the largest scripted YouTube channel for millennials in Canada, reaching nearly 100 million views since its launch in 2014.

CHANTAL LAFLEUR Productions Avenida

Chantal Lafl eur has over two decades of experience in the fi lm and television industries in Quebec, on both the production and distribution levels. Before founding Productions Avenida Inc., she produced many fi lms in the celebrated Tales for All series for Productions La Fête. She also produced La guerre des tuques…au fi l du temps (The Dog Who Stopped The War… As Time Goes By), a documentary fi lm marking the 25-year history of The Dog Who Stopped The War, the 1984 family classic that infl uenced an entire generation in Canada. More recently, she produced Le Cœur régulier, a co-production with France and Belgium, which was directed by Vanja d’Alcantara. She also produced two seasons of the the Bing Bang documentary series for the Historia channel (Québec). Ms. Lafl eur is currently producing Point d’équilibre (Balance Point), a feature documentary offering a privileged look into the intimate world of children enrolled in the professional program of a ballet school, as well as Jenny, a multiplat- form project including a youth fi ction series and a participatory website.

15 GRÁINNE MC GUINNESS, Creative Director, Paper Owl Films Ltd.

Gráinne is the creator of ‘Pablo’ for CBeebies and RTÉJr., which launched in October 2017 to a storm of media praise for its timely portrayal of a smart little autistic character. Gráinne was creator of preschool cookery series ‘Bia Linn’ for TG4 and Na Dulradóirí, a wildlife series for 8 – 12 year olds. Gráinne holds a BA, Media Studies and an MA, Marketing from Ulster University, a PG Cert in Teaching Adult Learners and PG Cert in Computer Based Learning from QUB. She is kept well informed about kids’ content by her two small children.

MARIE MCCANN Senior Director, Children's Content, CBC Kids

Marie McCann is the Senior Director of Children’s Content at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She began her career in television as an actress then went on to major in Cinema Studies and English at the University of Toronto. After working in independent production, she joined TVO Kids where she developed and launched award winning preschool shows such as “The Nook" and "Gisele’s Big Backyard”. In 2009 she moved to Kids' CBC where she became an Executive in Charge of Production and Development and launched the Gemini-winning series "Kids' Canada" . Marie returned to TVO for three years to head up Preschool production before returning to CBC to lead the launch of the Studio K brand. In February 2017 Marie was made Senior Director of Children’s Content.

MICHELLE MELANSON CUPERUS President, Radical Sheep

Michelle Melanson Cuperus, President and Executive Producer of Radical Sheep, has over 25 years of experience in the Children’s & Family media industry. She currently oversees Radical's robust slate including Ollie the Boy Who Became What he Ate, Tee & Mo, The Polos and The Next Step. Michelle recently Executive Produced The Bagel and Becky Show and the multi award winning Fangbone! . Other recent credits include Yup Yups, Can you Imagine That! and the multi award-winning hit Stella and Sam where she has won numerous awards including a Canadian Screen Award, Juno Award and a Daytime Emmy nomination. Michelle also manages Radical Sheep's development slate including the animated comedy Sprinkle and the Sweet Sugar Magics and Tween Roller Derby Drama Pass the Star.

GLENN O'FARRELL President & CEO, Groupe Média TFO

Glenn O’Farrell, ICD.D, is a digital-innovation-driving CEO in the Canadian media industry. Glenn doesn’t think outside – he thinks without a box. Glenn embraces the power and value of diversity. He uses new technology, creative partnerships and international reach to transform traditional media into relevant, inﬂ uential, high-trafﬁ c global platforms. Glenn consistently challenges the status quo to improve and grow outcomes for stakeholders.

16 NATALIE OSBORNE Chief Strategy Ofﬁ cer, 9 Story Media Group

As Chief Strategy Ofﬁ cer, Natalie Osborne oversees strategic partnerships, worldwide sales, acquisitions, consumer products and marketing. Upon joining the company in 2006, Natalie founded the global distribution division, building it into a multi-million dollar, internationally recognized enterprise. Prior to joining 9 Story, Natalie held several senior roles at Universal in London England, including Vice President of Acquisitions for Universal Pictures, and Vice President of Worldwide Children's Program- ming for NBC Universal. Prior to her time in London, Natalie was based in New York as Director of International Sales for Fox Lorber.

CARLOS PACHECO Boat Rocker Media’s Vice President of Audience Development

Carlos Pacheco is Boat Rocker Media’s Vice President of Audience De- velopment. Working in tandem with the Senior VP of Digital, Social, and Distributions teams to develop audience engagement, growth, and monetization strategies for over 100 Boat Rocker Media brands and Divisions as well as a multitude of third-party libraries and relationships. Prior to Boat Rocker, Carlos was the Digital Director at Just for Laughs, where he oversaw the building of new businesses and strategy, signiﬁ cantly growing and managing multiple YouTube properties, including Just for Laughs Gags as well as new digital content distribution deals. Prior to joining JFL, Carlos worked for 14 years as a marketing media strategist at Cossette and Touché!

PAUL PATTISON, Founder, CEO, Relish Interactive

Paul is the Founder of Relish Interactive and has been developing digital media, games, websites, and mobile applications for the last 15 years. Relish’s clients include big brands as well as innovative startups. Over the last 5 years, Paul has mixed his passion for storytelling and engineering background to focus on creating digital content for kids that mixes fun and learning. He has collaborated with many leading children’s brands such as YTV, Teletoon, TVO, Nickelodeon. More recently Relish launched their ﬁ rst wholly owned property as an interactive iPad storybook called Weirdwood Manor. The app has regularly placed at the top of the Kid’s app charts. Apple has featured the app as an Editor’s Choice pick and more recently as 2015 iPad App of the Year Runner-up.

17 JAMIE PIEKARZ Creator, Executive Producer, Children’s Media Consultant , JamPie Media

Jamie Piekarz is children’s media professional with the unique combination of creative production and broadcast experience that spans all age groups and genres. Through her company, Jampie Media, she creates and produces content for young audiences and is currently in production on "Super Mighty Makers" for TVO. Most recently she was the Director of Content for Treehouse, YTV and Nickelodeon Can- ada where she creatively steered all original Canadian and international co-productions (animation, live action scripted and unscripted) from development through to production for the Corus Kids channels, ensuring that each show was poised for local and global success. She served as a producer for several Nelvana shows such as: Mike the Knight (Emmy Award), Babar and the Adventures of Badou, and My Friend Rabbit. She recently co-created/executive produced such shows as Undercover High, The Stanley Dynamic, Cook’d and Zoink’d and was the executive producer of the Treehouse Splash and Boots interstitials.

MIA RODAK Executive Producer, Digital - CBC Kids

Mia Rodak has worked in digital content and product development for 15 years with top Canadian media providers CBC, Shaw Communications, Canwest, and Alliance Atlantis on several premium brands such as HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Slice and National Geographic Channel. Her passion is creating compel- ling and engaging digital content and beautiful user-experiences. These days, as Executive Digital Producer at CBC Kids, a large chunk of the audience she reaches are under the age of 12—a fact that never fails to delight her own two young children, who clearly believe she now reports directly to them.

JOHN ROONEY Consultant, johnromedia

John Rooney has a vast history within Kids television in Canada starting in the late 90’s working with YTV. Rising through the ranks, John became Director Of Programming in 2005, overseeing the Corus Kids & Family brands, including YTV and Nickelodeon Canada, in strategy, scheduling and acquisitions. John was also key in launching Corus Kids SVOD and non-linear programming strategy. After Corus, John was Director of Programming for Teletoon Canada from 2010 – 2012, overseeing strategy, scheduling and acquisitions for Teletoon, Teletoon Retro, Teletoon At Night and Cartoon Network Canada along with Teletoon’s non-linear platform. Currently, John is working as a consultant in Canada with his own company johnromedia.

FRED SEIBERT Founder/CEO Frederator Networks

Fred Seibert is the founder of Frederator Networks, the Chief Creative Offi cer of WOW! Unlimited Media, and a serial media entrepreneur. He was the fi rst creative director of MTV and the last president of Hanna-Barbera Cartoons. Fred founded Next New Networks (acquired by YouTube). He’s on the board of directors of Sawhorse Media, and was the fi rst investor in Tumblr. Frederator Networks is Channel Frederator, the leading online cartoon network, Frederator Studios, an independent production company with hits on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, Cartoon Hangover, the home of Bravest Warriors and Bee & PuppyCat (the most funded web series Kickstarter in history), and Frederator Books. Frederator distributes hundreds of independently owned, animator operated, YouTube channels. WOW! Unlimited Media is the merger of Frederator, Rainmaker Entertainment, and Ezrin Hirsh (founded by veteran producer Bob Ezrin and animation pioneer Michael Hirsh). 18 ANDRA SHEFFER CEO Independent Production Fund, Cogeco Fund

Andra is the CEO of two private funds supporting the Canadian digital media, television and ﬁ lm industries: the Independent Production Fund which invests in drama series created for digital platforms; and the COGECO Program Develop- ment Fund for the development and production of television drama. She was the founding Executive Director of the Bell Fund (1997-2014) which supported interactive digital media projects associated with Canadian television programs. Previously, she was the founding Executive Director of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television producing the annual Genie and Gemini Awards (now the Canadian Screen Awards). She has been awarded the Digital Media Trail Blazer award by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, the Champion of Digital Innovation Tribute at Merging Media , an Award of Achievement by the Digi Awards and has been inducted as an Industry Builder into the Playback Hall of Fame. She also received the YMA 2015 Outstanding Achievement Award.

ANTHONY SUEN Digital media professional

I’m a digital media professional with ﬁ ve years’ experience in making games, web, and online digital projects. As a writer, producer, and project manager, I have worked on projects for clients like YTV, Guru Studio, CBC Kids and 9 Story Media Group. I’ve been creating, designing, and producing children's media for three years and received my graduate certiﬁ cate in Children’s Media from Centennial College. My passion for creating relevant, innovative content has driven me to co-found a game company – Upptack Studios, with a focus on creating intergenerational games for kids and adults to play together.

JACQUELINE VONG Director Of Licensing, Fun 2 Play Toys

Jacqueline Vong is currently exploring a passion-fueled career in licensing, marketing and business development in both North America and the mainland China market. She began her career in 2003 at Spin Master and specialized her skill set in children’s entertainment and consumer products in positions with such global organizations as Nelvana Enterprises and Mattel. Her expertise brought her to Hong Kong in 2012 where she expanded her professional realm as Vice President of Marketing and Licensing with King Bee Toys, a company focused on building the toy and consumer products industry in the China market. After her time abroad, she repatriated to Canada and is a consultant to The Wiggles, Fun 2 Play Toys and Wong Hau Plastic Works and Trading Company. Vong is a frequent contributor to a variety of publications worldwide, including Global Toys New, The Hufﬁ ngton Post Canada, The Travel Presse, Afar Media and Fusia Magazine.

Upcoming FRENCH-LANGUAGE Event AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GALA MAY 23, 2018 IN MONTREAL 19 CBC CELEBRATES THE BEST OF CREATIVE MINDS